Government Shutdown Effects On Ag

The Agricultural Retailers Association provided this summary of the impacts of the ongoing shutdown for the agriculture industry.

Congressional Gridlock & Appropriations Status

Congress has failed to pass a continuing resolution or full-year appropriations, resulting in a lapse in funding for key agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). While some appropriations bills have advanced, major differences between House and Senate versions - especially those affecting agriculture - remain unresolved.

How the Shutdown Impacts Ag Retailers and Farmers

Program Suspensions:

• USDA Services: Nearly half of USDA staff are furloughed. Non-essential services such as farm loan processing, conservation program payments, and agricultural research are paused.
• Conservation Grants: Payments under conservation programs may be delayed or suspended, impacting farmers who have already implemented practices based on these grants.
• Market Data Disruptions: USDA’s market-sensitive reports - including crop forecasts and export sales - are delayed or suspended, creating uncertainty in pricing and planning.

EPA Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) – Impact on Pesticide Registrations

According to EPA’s Contingency Plan for Shutdown, it states the following regarding the impact on the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs (OPP) – “Activities Funded by Permanent Indefinite Appropriations: Some of EPA's funds are made available by "permanent indefinite" appropriations which are not subject to the annual appropriations process. Where funds are available in such accounts, they may continue to be obligated until it is no longer practicable to operate.

Example: EPA has the authority in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) § 4 to collect and spend "maintenance" fees paid by pesticide registrants annually to EPA as a condition of maintaining registration for their pesticide(s). Such spending authority is not conditioned on receiving permission annually in the appropriations act. Therefore, so long as there are funds available in that account, the program may continue to obligate such fee money for the purposes for which it is available until it is no longer practicable to operate.” Pages 13-14.

Economic Uncertainty

• Farmers relying on USDA payments face cash flow challenges.
• Ag retailers may experience delayed input purchases and increased financial stress among customers.

Supply Chain & Planning Risks

• Disruptions in USDA data and services affect planting decisions, livestock pricing, and overall market stability.
• Ag retailers may need to adjust inventory and service strategies to accommodate shifting farmer needs.

Trade Show Exhibitors List Now Available

Curious which companies are making plans to see you and the hundreds of other ag professionals at the Agribusiness Showcase & Conference in February?

Browse the list of exhibitors on the Showcase website.

The Agribusiness Showcase & Conference will be held Feb. 10-11, 2026 in central Iowa. Hundreds of ag professionals from across the state gather every year to attend the Showcase for access to information direct from manufacturers, insights from national leaders, the highest quality agribusiness trade show in the Midwest, and the opportunity for interactions with others in the industry. 

Is Your Business On The Trade Show List?

If you need to reserve your space, there are still a limited number of spots available. Join more than 50 businesses who have already claimed their place on the trade show floor and be seen by the industry where agribusiness meets.

• Trade Show Floor Map

Thank You For Your Membership!

As a member of AAI, you support the industry that is leading innovation, stewardship, and growth. Thank you for your membership and your commitment to the success of agribusiness in Iowa.

The following companies have recently joined or renewed their membership for the 2026 Membership Year.

Out And About

Member and Industry Visits

• Ignite Pathways
• Atticus

Visit by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO; Heath DeYoung, AAI Membership Director

• Holmes Murphy
• Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

Visits by: Julie Kenney, AAI CEO

• Express Logistics

Visit by: Heath DeYoung, AAI Membership Director

CropsTV Season 6 Available For Subscription

Returning for its sixth season in early January 2026, CropsTV delivers crop production information directly to farmers and ag service providers from the convenience of their office, shop, home or anywhere with an internet connect. There will be over 30 episodes featuring crop, pest, soil and water, and nutrient management-related topics ranging from 25 to 60 minutes in length.

New this year, if you subscribe to CropsTV Season 6 by Dec. 1 you can get in on the early-bird price of $100. After Dec. 1, the cost goes up to $125. A CropsTV Season 6 subscription includes access to all episodes, approximately 25 certified crop advisor (CCA) credits, supporting materials and downloadable resources, and the option to receive SMS text (text message) updates on CropsTV. Viewing of CropsTV Season 6 will be available from Jan. 6, 2026 through April 15, 2026.

Learn more about CropsTV and how to subscribe at go.iastate.edu/cropstv. For more information, contact the Crops Team at crops@iastate.edu, visit the events website, https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/events, or contact your regional ISU Extension and Outreach field agronomist.